The Holy-Grail Hair Products Black Beauty Editors Actually Use

You can spend your Saturday slouched in a salon chair, fuming because you've spent hours waiting and waiting. Or, you can avoid the hassle altogether and do your hair yourself. In the end, it's not only cheaper than the salon, but it also puts you in complete control of how your style turns out. Not to mention, styling at home allows you to clean, meal prep, and catch up on Netflix while your deep conditioner sits.

This is why most Black beauty editors prefer to take the DIY route when it comes to their hair. After years in the beauty industry interviewing pros and testing products, the simplest lesson we've learned is that no one knows your hair like you do, and oftentimes no one can silk press or twist-out your curls as well as you can.

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We've tested thousands of beauty products in the name of research, but only a few make it onto our scalps and strands when wash day rolls around. Ahead, seven women spill the items that they turn to again and again to make every day a good hair day.

At Refinery29, we’re here to help you navigate this overwhelming world of stuff. All of our market picks are independently selected and curated by the editorial team. If you buy something we link to on our site, Refinery29 may earn commission.

"I have been consistently repurchasing this product ever since I big-chopped nearly five years ago. It has great slip for detangling and is the base of all my wash-and-gos. I also love the consistency — it's thick without being gooey but lightweight enough that it doesn't weigh down my fine strands." — Denton-Hurst

"I would use this for the smell alone — it's just that good. The spray applicator makes it super easy to coat my hair in just a few spritzes. This product doesn't weigh down my hair — even when layered with thicker, heavier products." — Denton-Hurst

"I love this gel for its lightweight hold and non-crunchy feel. It's great for achieving a touchable wash-and-go, and it's filled with nourishing ingredients that won't dry out your hair." — Denton-Hurst

"I stole this product from my girlfriend, and its been one of my favorites ever since. It's usually the last step in my routine, and it adds definition — without the crunch. I don't say this often, but it's one of my holy grails." — Denton-Hurst

"Right now, I have extensions in my hair, and this shampoo and conditioner combo just feels refreshing on my scalp. Given the fact that green juice is particularly hydrating, I think that’s why my scalp — which is currently holding onto to cornrows — likes it so much. It definitely gets rid of the gunk and rinses out quickly." — Brown

"My routine is never complete without a deep conditioner, and this right here is old faithful. I am addicted to the smell, and though it’s meant to be rinsed out, I love distributing a small dollop throughout my hair and layering a gel or crème on top. It keeps my curls from getting crunchy." — Brown

"I never go a day without treating my scalp, even if it’s a quick massage. About every other day, I rub this oil on my head. It has this amazing cooling sensation that stops itching and relieves pain along the hairline if I’m wearing a wig or extensions." — Brown

"Technically, this isn’t a gel, but it does the same job — minus the flaking and crunchy aftereffects. A little goes a really long way with this, and you only need a quarter-sized amount for touchable hold. It doesn’t feel sticky as I’m applying, which can get annoying if you’re like me and go back and forth between getting dressed and doing your hair. Seriously, I need a lifetime supply of this stuff." — Brown

"This is the only hairspray that doesn’t disrupt my curls after they’ve been styled. It also doesn’t make them rock hard; I can actually re-style later in the day if I need to, without having to start over completely." — Brown

"I can't live without a thick hydrating conditioner and a curl cream for hold. Recently, I've been loving this duo from Ouidad. I use the conditioner in the shower (and leave a bit of it in). Then, while my hair is still drenched, I work a quarter-sized amount of the gel through my hair. This combination really makes such a difference in how my curls look and last." — Dirshe

"The Pantene Gold Series has become the collection that I just can't live without. Everything about it is perfectly formulated for textured hair, and it provides just the right amount of moisture — no matter what style my hair is in. The Moisture Boost Shampoo doesn't leave my hair feeling stripped of its natural oils, yet it effectively cleanses my scalp and washes away all residue. The conditioner, which I've found is better than any prestige conditioner I've used, is the best $8 I could ever spend. By the time I'm finished with these two, I barely need to apply any product post-cleanse. " — Newby

"If I went into how long I've searched for a hair oil that gives my hair hold, yet doesn't leave it greasy after straightening, we'd be here all day. Oribe's Gold Lust Oil is the only product I apply to my leave-out after shampooing when I'm wearing a weave. Not only does it help my hair blend in with the texture of my extensions, it also protects my hair against the heat styling that comes after." — Newby

"Remember when you were younger and would wrap a towel turban on your hair and feel extra luxurious? This hair towel gives me that look minus the dehydrating effects that normal towels have on my strands. It dries my wet hair almost instantly, and its shape and size make achieving a long-lasting wrap easy. That way, I can tend to a million other things while drying my hair at the same time." — Newby

"Before putting on my silk bonnet and calling it a night, I massage some of this miracle oil into my hair. While most oils sit on the hair shaft and cause buildup, this overnight treatment absorbs completely. I'm still in awe every morning of how silky my hair feels when I wake up." — Newby

"My good friend (and fellow beauty editor) Nykia Spradley has a head full of hair that's flourishing, and she recommended this. I've taken the hair-growth duo for a spin and absolutely love how strong and silky it makes my hair feel."— Brown

"To get my hair super sleek, I flat iron it in sections with this CHI flat iron. I've been usng the same one for years, and it hasn't failed me yet. It keeps my hair bone-straight and leaves it with a nice sheen. Plus, it's rose gold. Who can resist that? " — Brown